No deal has been reached and tens of thousands of education workers will strike on Friday.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the government is proceeding with legislation, expected to pass today, to impose a contract and ban strikes.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says workers, including educational assistants, custodians and admin staff will start a strike Friday “until further notice” even if the legislation passes and makes a walkout illegal.
The Renfrew County District School Board says schools will close for a strike and while the Renfrew County Catholic District School says schools will remain open on Friday, they will close next week if a strike continues.
The Ministry of Education says in a memo obtained by The Canadian Press that school boards should “implement contingency plans, where every effort is made to keep schools open for as many children as possible.”
8,000 education workers from another union are poised to walk out in solidarity with the 55,000 education workers tomorrow.(written by: Rudy Kadlec with files from the Canadian Press)